When you’re driving away, your windshield is your major safety net, so if you accidentally damage or break it, you should get it fixed as quickly as possible. Car owners frequently can’t decide whether to fix or replace this structure. When such a situation develops, it is usually best to show your windshield damage to an auto glass professional, as they are the best qualified to determine if you require windshield repair or replacement.
Remember that windscreen cracks can come from a variety of different sources, and that not all damage is the same in kind or severity. However, even though a small chip may appear inconsequential, its location may require that you replace the entire lens. In many cases, the driver is forced to replace a part because it has broken in his or her line of vision. Your windscreen may develop cracks from time to time. A couple of days or a week may pass before you must take your vehicle to a mechanic in such a case.
Your windshield will need professional attention in almost all cases if there is a crack in it. Are there any recent cracks or chips on your windscreen? For more information on whether or not you’re due for an upgrade or repair, continue reading.
When/Why do you need a replacement?
Cracks:
As soon as a crack appears or extends to the windshield’s edge, a replacement is required. Cracked windshields may also require a replacement of the polyvinyl butyral coating. Repairing a cracked windscreen is not a wise decision because of the structural damage it causes.
The integrity of your windshield can be compromised if you have your cracked windshield repaired quickly. Unbeknownst to you, the structural damage caused by a small crack in your windshield can be extremely dangerous, putting your life at risk as well as those inside your vehicle. This is why having a professional replace your car’s windshield is so important.
Chips that cannot be repaired:
Not all windshield chips can be repaired. As soon as the chip damage exceeds 40mm in diameter, a car windshield replacement is required. Further, if the chip damages both layers of your windshield glass, a replacement is required. When it comes to chips, only two can be repaired.
Anything more than that is cause for a windshield replacement. If your windshield is littered with numerous chips, it’s best to have it replaced. In addition, a chip repair is not an option if the damage is visible to the driver. Otherwise, you run the risk of damaging your windshield.
Not installed correctly:
Because of improper installation, you may hear an odd “whooshing” noise while driving your car, even with the windows closed. Rattling sounds while driving on a bumpy road could also be an indication of an incorrectly installed windshield.
Erroneous windshield replacement procedures can lead to wavy patterns on the glass, light distortion, and decreased clarity. Furthermore, if you were allowed to drive your car immediately after the installation was completed, your installation is likely to be flawed. Glass that hasn’t been properly installed can shift if you drive before the adhesives have had a chance to cure.
The Risks of Driving with a Cracked Windshield
Visually Diminished:
Having a crack or chip in your line of vision can make it difficult to see what is going on around you. It’s easy for a crack to reflect light into your eyes, putting you at risk for injury. This makes auto glass replacement an absolute necessity.
Structural Support Loss:
Your car’s structural strength will be compromised if the windscreen is damaged or installed incorrectly. This means that if your automobile is involved in a rollover, your windshield is likely to fold in and collapse, injuring you and other passengers fatally.
Failure of an Airbag:
It also assists in the effective deployment of airbags, which is one of its most significant tasks. A cracked or improperly placed windshield, on the other hand, will be unable to provide the necessary support for airbag activation. In the event of a head-on accident, the occupants are extremely exposed to fatal injury.
To ensure your safety, it’s best to seek professional assistance as soon as possible if you need to replace your windshield.
